Key steer wrestlers to keep an eye on at the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) steer wrestling race has been exciting all year long. The battle for the top 15 places came down to the finish line. The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is sure to bring fast times and shake up the rankings. For ten days, these guys fight for their share of almost $500,000 and a chance at a world title.

Just over $100,000 separates No. 1 and No. 15. Even though it’s still a long shot, all guys have a shot at a world title. The closest race is between the top five guys, all of whom have their eyes on the gold buckle.

1) Dalton Massey

Leading the field ahead of Vegas is none other than two-time NFR qualifier Dalton Massey. 2023 was his debut year at the big show, where he put in an outstanding performance and finished as reserve world champion.

Massey consistently topped the rankings in 2024 and placed second on average at the pendulum round-up this year. He also ended up winning Sioux Falls, which added an additional $30,000 to his year and gave him a lead in the standings. The man from Hermiston, Oregon, is defending his first place lead by about $33,000, but in Las Vegas the rounds pay more than his lead alone, so he can’t feel too comfortable just yet.

2) Dakota Eldgride

NFR veteran Dakota Eldrige enters the final as number 2. Although he has yet to win a world title, he is an eleven-time NFR qualifier and has two average titles under his belt. He held the early lead in the 2024 standings after dominating and winning the Rodeo Houston. He has won almost $170,000 and is within striking distance of a gold buckle.

3) Stetson Jorgenson

Stetson Jorgensen is taking part in the national finals for the fifth time. He is ranked 3rd behind Massey and Eldridge. He was the 2020 Reserve World Champion. He is known for fast times and strong finishes, making Thomas and Mack the perfect setup for Jorgenson. He now has just over $153,000 and is looking to make big moves in Vegas.

4) Will Lummus

Will Lummus is no stranger to the top of the leaderboard or the bright lights of Las Vegas. He has qualified for the finals 7 times and is the 2021 average champion. He has won at least one round in the last six finals and has thrown an impressive 90% of his power in the Thomas and Mack competition. He has won almost $150,000 so far and definitely has a shot at the world championship.

5) JD Stuxness

Number 5 JD Stuxness is making his sixth appearance in the final. With earnings of almost $148,000, he has a good chance of winning a world title. Just over $1,000 separates Lummus and Struxness. At last year’s finals, he surpassed the million-dollar barrier for his total PRCA career earnings. He remained strong throughout the year, but made a jump in the standings late in the season after winning big at the Rough Rider Cup and Sioux Falls.

While all eyes are on the top five here, you can never discount guys like 2023 average champion Don Payne or five-time world champion and 10-time NFR qualifier Tyler Waguespack. They may be lower in the standings, but they know how to get the job done in the Thomas and Mack race.

Stay tuned for more updates on the rankings, the 2024 Wrangler National Finals and all things rodeo!